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We check in with people at each stage of the cash transfer process to see how things are going. Take a look at some of their stories as they appear here in real-time. Learn more about how recipients opt in to share their stories.
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Enrollment
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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Shida's Profile
Shida's family
Shida
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
51
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($514 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is now totally different because I now own a permanent house. I have been longing to construct a big house but due to my financial status, I could not afford it. My previous house was in a very poor condition and whenever it rained it was so hectic. My children too never had peace since when it's time to sleep they were forced to sleep at their grandmother's small hat of which they were uncomfortable. But ever since I constructed this house, the problem is fully solved. Secondly, whenever they wanted to do their assignments at night, they found it hard because the house was not spacious and due to this reason it was affecting their academic performance. Ever since I constructed this house they have been studying comfortably without any interference. I am so grateful for that. Had not been this organization coming to my village I could not be owning this descent house.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly has been of great impact to us in my community. First, most of us have cows both dairy and oxen. With the oxen, we are assured of consuming less time in ploughing our farms and also getting some good harvests. Secondly, our children are now studying without any difficulties because we pay their school fees in time unlike before where they used to stay at home due to some school fees arrears. Thirdly the permanent houses which we now own has brought a new picture in my village. We are all grateful for this. According to me, I do not see any sector that GiveDirectly failed us.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying some building materials such as iron sheets at KES 16250. This was for the completing of my house which I was constructing through the first transfer. I later paid the mason KES 4000 as his labor fee. I then paid school fees for my children so that they can study without any disturbances. Previously they could stay at home even for weeks due to school fees arrears. The remaining amount of money, I decided to buy enough foodstuffs for my family. We are now taking three meals a day unlike before where we used to have one meal or go without.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($538 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
My biggest difference is that I will have a house by August 2019 because my current house is about to fall. I never had money to repair or build a house. My husband and I have meager income that would never allow us to improve our house.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was lying on my bed when I received the Mpesa message. I dont know how to read so I just slept. In the morning, I gave my son who is in class 7 to read the for me before he left for school. He told me its money from GiveDirectly. I was very happy. I waited for 3 days before withdrawing the money because my son who was to help me was only available over the weekend
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent my transfer in paying school worth 10,000/- for my daughter who is studying at State House Girls High School. I also bought a cow worth 13,000/- so that I can get milk for my family when she gives birth. I also paid 4000/- as a deposit for timber that I will use for building a better house. My house is almost falling down. I will use the rest of the money to purchase iron sheets and in paying workers who will build the house.
 
Enrolled
access_time almost 5 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My dream as a parent is to see my children live better lives than the one I have had to endure. What better way to do it than through education! I will therefore, invest heavily in my two children's education by buying assets such as livestock that I can sell whenever need demands. I will also build a better house with an iron sheets roof top so that my husband and I can retire decently.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Evening marks the best part of the day for me because having spent the day apart from each other, my husband, son and I are able to come together at this time to share a meal and engage in a hearty conversation.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
While my husband herds our neighbors' livestock to earn income for the family, I burn charcoal to do the same. Combined, both incomes do not exceed 1500 shillings per month yet we are expected to pay 55,000 shillings a year for our daughter in high school (in Nairobi city), 10,000 shillings a year for our son in grade seven and still put food on our table, clothes on our backs and a decent roof over our heads. Being able to meet all these needs will literally be a dream come true for us.